Barth's body went rigid as a board. “Because Lilah has your full support. You never even considered me for the role of league leader. Without anyone backing me, was I just supposed to sit back and do nothing?"

After a pregnant pause, he let out a laugh that was more self-deprecating than humorous, laying bare his true feelings.

"You never even bothered to ask," Kyler interjected with a weary sigh, his words tinged with the bitterness of disappointment. "And since Lilah left, Barth, you've really gone too far. We're martial artists, not businessmen. If all you care about is winning and losing, your skills won't improve.”

Cyrus chimed in, “Are you afraid that in a real match, you wouldn't stand a chance against Lilah, so you resort to these schemes?"

It was in the nature of martial artists to revere strength, and traditionally, the league's helm belonged to the mightiest.

"I didn't want to make things difficult for Lilah. It's clear she has no interest in leadership, can't you see that?" Barth replied, lifting his gaze, his eyes a maelstrom of conflicting emotions. "If she really wanted to be the leader, why would she have chosen to leave?"

He had struck a chord.

Lilah had never harbored ambitions of leadership. But she had been steeped in the elders' teachings, not just in martial prowess but also in their philosophy.

If Barth could adhere to their principles and lead with unwavering dedication, she'd throw her support behind him without hesitation.

However, if he strayed from the path, she couldn't turn a blind eye.

"You are wrong," Lilah stated plainly, stepping forward. "I returned specifically to take charge. The elders entrusted me with the token, and I won't betray their trust."

Her voice was as steady as bedrock, each word carrying the weight of conviction.

Barth's eyes suddenly hardened, a dangerous glint appearing like the edge of a knife.

“So, Barth, I hope you'll soon announce that I am the rightful choice for leader."

Voicing this stirred something deep within Lilah.

If she possessed the power, she'd turn back the hands of time to when Cyrus held the mantle of leadership.

Those were the halcyon days of her life, filled with purpose and meaning.

"Lilah, do you disagree with my ideas? Don't you think we should aim to grow and open more branches to promote the Fearless League?"

Barth rose to his feet, facing Lilah in stoic silence.

Their gazes locked, and the air between them crackled with tension.

In that moment, the bond they once shared had evaporated like morning dew.

“Barth, do you truly believe you're the only one capable of this?"

Lilah asked, a melancholic smile playing on her lips. “Our predecessors were far more powerful than either of us. If they had wanted to, they could have attracted crowds effortlessly, without the effort you put in. So why didn't they?"

Barth's face clouded over, yet he said nothing.